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Can't Resist #2
Falling for the Good Guy
Her best friend since college. The polar opposite of his brother Connor. The 'good guy' everyone's hell-bent on believing is her perfect match. Anything beyond friendship for them had just never been a possibility.
But it is now.
For over a decade, through his high school sweetheart's illness and eventual passing, Abby had been his pal, his rock. All but a second mother to his young daughter. His heart had simply never been free to love her then.
But it is now.
Now that his brother Connor has left her with a shattered heart he could kill him for causing, Brian's got one chance...
To prove to Abby that everyone's right.
NOTE TO READERS: This is Book #2 in a three-part 600-pg SERIAL (also available as a bundled box set). Each book in the trilogy has a separate story arc in the greater love triangle, and need to be read in order. Book #4 (the other brother's happily ever after) is a standalone novel that can be read on its own.
But it is now.
For over a decade, through his high school sweetheart's illness and eventual passing, Abby had been his pal, his rock. All but a second mother to his young daughter. His heart had simply never been free to love her then.
But it is now.
Now that his brother Connor has left her with a shattered heart he could kill him for causing, Brian's got one chance...
To prove to Abby that everyone's right.
NOTE TO READERS: This is Book #2 in a three-part 600-pg SERIAL (also available as a bundled box set). Each book in the trilogy has a separate story arc in the greater love triangle, and need to be read in order. Book #4 (the other brother's happily ever after) is a standalone novel that can be read on its own.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2013
590 people are currently reading
1844 people want to read
About the author
Violet Duke
39 books1,260 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to be on the other side of the page now writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put all four of Violet's laugh & cry contemporary romance series on bestseller lists and Top 10 charts across the major eretailers, both in the U.S. and internationally.
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
July 5, 2013
WHAT!!
How could it end that way?!
I adored the first book but Falling for the Good Guy blew my expectations right out the water. I fell in love with Brian & Skylar both. You are probably wondering what happened to Connor. Wells ladies and gents, this story has nothing whatsoever to do with Connor. And let me tell you...I don't know who to choose! Getting to know Brian was just what I needed. I like his personality and the way he treats Abby. His love for his daughter is very endearing as well. You can't help but fall a little bit in love.
This book has an emotional scene that had me tearing up like crazy. I don't want to spoil anything be because the scene took me by surprise.
But never fear, there was still tons of humor and quirky-like scenes to make the book fun and sexy just like the first one.
I can't wait for the third book!!! Hopefully it comes soon because I am not a patient person!
***This book was given to me by author for an honest review***
How could it end that way?!
I adored the first book but Falling for the Good Guy blew my expectations right out the water. I fell in love with Brian & Skylar both. You are probably wondering what happened to Connor. Wells ladies and gents, this story has nothing whatsoever to do with Connor. And let me tell you...I don't know who to choose! Getting to know Brian was just what I needed. I like his personality and the way he treats Abby. His love for his daughter is very endearing as well. You can't help but fall a little bit in love.
This book has an emotional scene that had me tearing up like crazy. I don't want to spoil anything be because the scene took me by surprise.
But never fear, there was still tons of humor and quirky-like scenes to make the book fun and sexy just like the first one.
I can't wait for the third book!!! Hopefully it comes soon because I am not a patient person!
***This book was given to me by author for an honest review***
July 11, 2015
I liked the first book much better. Love Connor. I like Brian, but Connor is the hottest and the best guy for Abby. Eew factor...(spoiler)...
I don't like the sleeping with both brothers part of this story.
I don't like the sleeping with both brothers part of this story.
July 8, 2013
I was so happy to read more of Abby's search for love in Falling for the Good Guy!
In Falling for the Bad Boy (book one) Abby and Connor had a month long fling. That was the time frame Connor set out from the start. Abby has been trying to get over him ever since! His brother Brian has been Abby's best friend forever! She saw him through his wife's illness and death, has been there since for him and his daughter, and the 3 of them hang out together all the time.
Now that Connor and Abby are no more, Brian is starting to see what has been in front of him all this time with Abby. His feelings towards her are changing, and he wants to be more than best friends. Abby has given herself a time frame she'll wait for Connor for, and Brian intends to be there for her when that time is past!
Abby feels sparks with Brian too, but she's not too sure she wants to risk their friendship to explore what ever more could be between them. She is also very aware of Brian's strong feelings for his deceased wife and does not want to be a stand in for her! Brian has his work cut out for him convincing Abby to give them a chance!
Violet gives us another great book with Falling for the Good Guy! She manages to draw you in quickly and effortlessly! Going from one brother to the next is not something I'm really into and was kind of wondering how this would play out, but Violet writes so well and in such a way that there is no 'ew' factor at all! Connor does not play a big part in Falling for the Good Guy, this really is Abby and Brian's story. Violet writes all of the scenes from the funny ones to the sexy ones flawlessly, working them so well into the story.
By now I think we've all picked who we want Abby to end up with if it is Connor or Brian, and I just can't wait for book 3 to come out! :) Will Connor stay in the background and give up Abby?
Falling for the Good Guy is a quick, entrancing read I'd highly recommend!
In Falling for the Bad Boy (book one) Abby and Connor had a month long fling. That was the time frame Connor set out from the start. Abby has been trying to get over him ever since! His brother Brian has been Abby's best friend forever! She saw him through his wife's illness and death, has been there since for him and his daughter, and the 3 of them hang out together all the time.
Now that Connor and Abby are no more, Brian is starting to see what has been in front of him all this time with Abby. His feelings towards her are changing, and he wants to be more than best friends. Abby has given herself a time frame she'll wait for Connor for, and Brian intends to be there for her when that time is past!
Abby feels sparks with Brian too, but she's not too sure she wants to risk their friendship to explore what ever more could be between them. She is also very aware of Brian's strong feelings for his deceased wife and does not want to be a stand in for her! Brian has his work cut out for him convincing Abby to give them a chance!
Violet gives us another great book with Falling for the Good Guy! She manages to draw you in quickly and effortlessly! Going from one brother to the next is not something I'm really into and was kind of wondering how this would play out, but Violet writes so well and in such a way that there is no 'ew' factor at all! Connor does not play a big part in Falling for the Good Guy, this really is Abby and Brian's story. Violet writes all of the scenes from the funny ones to the sexy ones flawlessly, working them so well into the story.
By now I think we've all picked who we want Abby to end up with if it is Connor or Brian, and I just can't wait for book 3 to come out! :) Will Connor stay in the background and give up Abby?
Falling for the Good Guy is a quick, entrancing read I'd highly recommend!
Read
May 30, 2013Just wanted to say:
the first book - the bad boy option ... who Abby obviously fell head over heels in love with but she just doesn't know it yet
second book - the good boy option ... obviously she couldn't be in love with him since he was in love with his high school sweet heart. But now that his brother has offered him the chance to speak, the "good guy" goes for it. In his own way i think Brain's thinking that Abby's already in his life, he helped raise his daughter when his wife couldn't and he was too busy taking care of his wife. And Abby's never thought of the idea of being with Brian 'cuz in her mind he's never been for the taking. So basically this option arises and they both think we'll we're already pretty invested in each other so we'll try it. But than Brian is going to realize that he loves Abby ... like a best friend, a sister in a way. And Abby loves Brian but just not as much as she loves his brother, Connor.
Which brings us the last book:
third book - Connor heartbroken and seriously pissed off 'cause he thinks that Abby is all in love with his brother. Abby frustrated and sad 'cause she made the wrong decision. And now she's trying to win him back!
So these are my guesses and I seriously hope I'm right!
the first book - the bad boy option ... who Abby obviously fell head over heels in love with but she just doesn't know it yet
second book - the good boy option ... obviously she couldn't be in love with him since he was in love with his high school sweet heart. But now that his brother has offered him the chance to speak, the "good guy" goes for it. In his own way i think Brain's thinking that Abby's already in his life, he helped raise his daughter when his wife couldn't and he was too busy taking care of his wife. And Abby's never thought of the idea of being with Brian 'cuz in her mind he's never been for the taking. So basically this option arises and they both think we'll we're already pretty invested in each other so we'll try it. But than Brian is going to realize that he loves Abby ... like a best friend, a sister in a way. And Abby loves Brian but just not as much as she loves his brother, Connor.
Which brings us the last book:
third book - Connor heartbroken and seriously pissed off 'cause he thinks that Abby is all in love with his brother. Abby frustrated and sad 'cause she made the wrong decision. And now she's trying to win him back!
So these are my guesses and I seriously hope I'm right!
July 2, 2013
I just finish Falling for the good guy, and I am still rooting for Conner in the finally book ...
August 9, 2013
Another cliff hanger ending. Glad I decided to purchase two and three at the same time. I am off to start the last because it can't end this way!
July 2, 2013
This book was like eating my favourite cream cake I devoured it, enjoyed it and licked my lips when I finished it.
I loved Resisting the Bad Boy the first book in the series so I have been eagerly awaiting this book the second in the series and believe me when I say you will want to read this in one sitting to keep turning those pages to see where the story leads for Abby. I adore Violets writing style and this storyline I’m not usually a fan of love triangles but this one has got my attention and held it... The story is fast flowing and Violet keeps throwing in those moments where your heart stops beating for a second and you have those “oh no” moments. I even found myself with tears in my eyes at one point as I have a soft spot for those moments where a character declares their love.
What are you supposed to do when the man you want leaves? Well you try and get over him and move on. But does that mean moving on with your best friend and the brother of the man that left. Hell Yeah if it’s Brian. I totally love this man he is beyond Perfect. Abby has her doubts and I don’t blame her they are friends first and she has trouble with getting over the fact she is stealing Brian from his dead wife and her feelings for Conner.
I love the sex scenes between Abby and Brian they made me smile in a good way, a little spice is always good. There is a bit of a push and pull thing still going on between them but after a misunderstanding Abby makes her mind up. But then the sneaking thing that Violet is she leaves us hanging again at the end but you know what that just makes me want BOOK 3 more as I need to know how it all plays out.
My head is telling me that Brian and Abby are so right together they have so much history and Abby is a great mother figure to Skylar she is always there for the both of them.
But my heart is telling me that Conner deserves happiness to and I think Abby is that for him.
Violet can you not make it that Conner and Brian both have Abby and a HEA because I have a feeling it’s not only one of the character’s that is going to be left broken hearted I think I’m going to be to.
Bring on book 3 Choosing the Right Man …I want this book so bad. Who is it going to be Conner or Brian? Brian…no...Conner oh hell Violet I need to know.
I loved Resisting the Bad Boy the first book in the series so I have been eagerly awaiting this book the second in the series and believe me when I say you will want to read this in one sitting to keep turning those pages to see where the story leads for Abby. I adore Violets writing style and this storyline I’m not usually a fan of love triangles but this one has got my attention and held it... The story is fast flowing and Violet keeps throwing in those moments where your heart stops beating for a second and you have those “oh no” moments. I even found myself with tears in my eyes at one point as I have a soft spot for those moments where a character declares their love.
What are you supposed to do when the man you want leaves? Well you try and get over him and move on. But does that mean moving on with your best friend and the brother of the man that left. Hell Yeah if it’s Brian. I totally love this man he is beyond Perfect. Abby has her doubts and I don’t blame her they are friends first and she has trouble with getting over the fact she is stealing Brian from his dead wife and her feelings for Conner.
I love the sex scenes between Abby and Brian they made me smile in a good way, a little spice is always good. There is a bit of a push and pull thing still going on between them but after a misunderstanding Abby makes her mind up. But then the sneaking thing that Violet is she leaves us hanging again at the end but you know what that just makes me want BOOK 3 more as I need to know how it all plays out.
My head is telling me that Brian and Abby are so right together they have so much history and Abby is a great mother figure to Skylar she is always there for the both of them.
But my heart is telling me that Conner deserves happiness to and I think Abby is that for him.
Violet can you not make it that Conner and Brian both have Abby and a HEA because I have a feeling it’s not only one of the character’s that is going to be left broken hearted I think I’m going to be to.
Bring on book 3 Choosing the Right Man …I want this book so bad. Who is it going to be Conner or Brian? Brian…no...Conner oh hell Violet I need to know.
July 3, 2013
FIRST and Foresmost if cliffhangers drive you crazy, buy this and set it aside till 3 comes out because V doesn't do cliffhagers - she does skydives!!!!
Oh.My.Gosh! Give me a few minutes to compose myself and collect my thoughts.
I was really curious how V would make the switch to BRian from Connor, without making Abby come off sleezy. The switch was fantastically done and so relatable and understandable. You feel for every character and just want to cheer for those who are together and weep for the one left on the sideline.
I LOVED the eyes closed, yet your body feel and react scene. I mean WOW!
Characters are all those you know and love from book one. Skylar CRACKS me UP!!!! Connor has taken a pretty back seat in this book of course, but pops in to rileyou up just as you get content with where things are.
The storyline flows perfectly, and is not rushed or drawn out. PERFECT pace. Each decleration of love or fightingwords for affectipn are placed exactly where they shoould be, and make your stomach tense in anticipation. My kindle was flipping pages like a mad woman as I was sucked in to my read, my finger may have a bruise on the tip from pressing with such force.
The end. UGH! I KNEW it was coming. I just knew it my stomach flipped, my heart fluttered a mile a minute, and I stopped breathing. I flipped past the last page and back again hoping for more to appear. Skydive - seriously.
This series is a MUST read!
**I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review**
Oh.My.Gosh! Give me a few minutes to compose myself and collect my thoughts.
I was really curious how V would make the switch to BRian from Connor, without making Abby come off sleezy. The switch was fantastically done and so relatable and understandable. You feel for every character and just want to cheer for those who are together and weep for the one left on the sideline.
I LOVED the eyes closed, yet your body feel and react scene. I mean WOW!
Characters are all those you know and love from book one. Skylar CRACKS me UP!!!! Connor has taken a pretty back seat in this book of course, but pops in to rileyou up just as you get content with where things are.
The storyline flows perfectly, and is not rushed or drawn out. PERFECT pace. Each decleration of love or fightingwords for affectipn are placed exactly where they shoould be, and make your stomach tense in anticipation. My kindle was flipping pages like a mad woman as I was sucked in to my read, my finger may have a bruise on the tip from pressing with such force.
The end. UGH! I KNEW it was coming. I just knew it my stomach flipped, my heart fluttered a mile a minute, and I stopped breathing. I flipped past the last page and back again hoping for more to appear. Skydive - seriously.
This series is a MUST read!
**I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review**
July 19, 2013
I received this book by Violet Duke to read and review. I was totally in full blown swoon with the first and the cliffhanger had me diving into this book full force to get answers. I was shocked! There are very few book series where I was more in love with the second book than the first. This WAS the case here. I loved this even more than Resisting the Bad Boy. Of course Abby is back and all preconceived notions are out the door, about Brian and Connor and what Abby really wants. I adore all the characters, the secondary characters mesh so well with the main characters and you just fall in love and root for them all. The banter and wit is back and the steam and sexual tension is out of the park! The heart breaking moments will make your stomach flip and then the passion will melt your heart.
Violet's writing style is refreshing and leaves nothing to the imagination. It is so descriptive and thought out that you just can't put them down and then when you read the end you are so sad that there is no more left to read. I cannot wait for book three, and will be grabbing it up as soon as it is out.
Violet's writing style is refreshing and leaves nothing to the imagination. It is so descriptive and thought out that you just can't put them down and then when you read the end you are so sad that there is no more left to read. I cannot wait for book three, and will be grabbing it up as soon as it is out.
March 19, 2017
DNF at 46%
Paper thin, undercooked, cliche crap.
Utterly lame, vanilla fantasy of a homebody teen hopped up on ABC Family romance.
Paper thin, undercooked, cliche crap.
Utterly lame, vanilla fantasy of a homebody teen hopped up on ABC Family romance.
December 11, 2014
The writing was great and I love the character. Unfortunately, my review is colored by personal bias. I really despise love triangles with siblings. Best friends, Brother-In-Law, neighbors, co-works... anything but brothers.
I couldn't get past the sense of betrayal I felt for Connor when
That being said, I love Brian. The fact that he's trying to move on with his life after losing his great love is moving. It's great that he recognizes that what he had with Beth will always be there, but he can find love with someone else. And I ADORE BRIAN. I can totally understand his attraction to Abby. They have that close friendship that's so hard to find and it's easy to see how that can spill over into romantic love.
Abby.
Heartbreak is no excuse. If you can't have Conner, maybe you need to look for love outside the Sullivan Family...just don't go there with his brother!!! I can't even imagine what family gatherings will be like after this book.
I couldn't get past the sense of betrayal I felt for Connor when
That being said, I love Brian. The fact that he's trying to move on with his life after losing his great love is moving. It's great that he recognizes that what he had with Beth will always be there, but he can find love with someone else. And I ADORE BRIAN. I can totally understand his attraction to Abby. They have that close friendship that's so hard to find and it's easy to see how that can spill over into romantic love.
Abby.
Heartbreak is no excuse. If you can't have Conner, maybe you need to look for love outside the Sullivan Family...just don't go there with his brother!!! I can't even imagine what family gatherings will be like after this book.
July 4, 2013
Violet Duke Leaves us hanging again
or does she..I think everyone at some point has had a really good guy friend in their life. What would you do if your friend had more than just friendly feelings for you one day? I was positive after Resisting the Bad Boy that Abby would live happily ever after with Connor and that there was no way she could ever be happy with Brian. Well Violet wrote it well and now it seems to me that there was never any other choice but Brian. Abby was a mother to his daughter when his wife was dying and it would only make sense that if she had any feelings for Brian that she act on them and help to mend a broken family.
My issue with Connor at this point is if he truly loved Abby and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her he would have never given Brian the chance by stepping away. I could forgive him if he left her for a few weeks and then came to his senses and went after her but four months is too little too late at this point. Violet does a great job again with character development and I expect that she will turn the tables on me again with book three. I am looking forward to its release at the end of this month.
or does she..I think everyone at some point has had a really good guy friend in their life. What would you do if your friend had more than just friendly feelings for you one day? I was positive after Resisting the Bad Boy that Abby would live happily ever after with Connor and that there was no way she could ever be happy with Brian. Well Violet wrote it well and now it seems to me that there was never any other choice but Brian. Abby was a mother to his daughter when his wife was dying and it would only make sense that if she had any feelings for Brian that she act on them and help to mend a broken family.
My issue with Connor at this point is if he truly loved Abby and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her he would have never given Brian the chance by stepping away. I could forgive him if he left her for a few weeks and then came to his senses and went after her but four months is too little too late at this point. Violet does a great job again with character development and I expect that she will turn the tables on me again with book three. I am looking forward to its release at the end of this month.
September 29, 2013
UGH this book was torture. I love Brian and all, but for Abby... I'm team Conner. I only got through these books because I knew how everything will end. I don't usually do that. But I wasn't sure about reading them or not. Whenever I'm unsure I just read all the blurbs and maybe spoiler reviews.
Anyways, this book definitely had me confused. It was like the entire month with Conner didn't exist. There wasn't much thought of Conner at all. Which irritated me. Does that mean she really doesn't love Conner? I didn't know (well i did since I know the ending) but still, it frustrated me. My heart was racing. I was trying to speed read the damn book just to get to the third. It shouldn't be that hard since it's just ten chapters. I had to put it down for a moment (not to long) so I could continue. I'm really starting to hate love triangles. And this one is just...bad. I mean she went from one brother to the next. I just thought that was so wrong and confusing.
All I can say is I'm glad Abby had this time with Brian so she can really make her choice for the next book.
This book is brutal if you're a Connor fan. Just saying.
Anyways, this book definitely had me confused. It was like the entire month with Conner didn't exist. There wasn't much thought of Conner at all. Which irritated me. Does that mean she really doesn't love Conner? I didn't know (well i did since I know the ending) but still, it frustrated me. My heart was racing. I was trying to speed read the damn book just to get to the third. It shouldn't be that hard since it's just ten chapters. I had to put it down for a moment (not to long) so I could continue. I'm really starting to hate love triangles. And this one is just...bad. I mean she went from one brother to the next. I just thought that was so wrong and confusing.
All I can say is I'm glad Abby had this time with Brian so she can really make her choice for the next book.
This book is brutal if you're a Connor fan. Just saying.
July 28, 2013
If you love romance, this is a great book. If romance stories aren't your thang, this is JUST AS GREAT!
Ms. Duke masterly switches between Abby and Brian's (the nice guy) PERSPECTIVE, while achieving a depth, that frankly, I didn't know existed in this genre.
This is the second installment (of 3) in this series, and it provides excellent contrast not only between the 'bad' guy and the 'good' guy, but also between different kinds of love and different kinds of fate, if you will.
While you don't NEED to read the first one to understand the second, WHY NOT? They've both been fast reads simply because of the entertaining, yet complex storyline mixed with extremely natural (and playful) dialogue. If you start now, you could probably even finish both by the time the third one is out at the end of the month. You won't regret it! Trust me!
Ms. Duke masterly switches between Abby and Brian's (the nice guy) PERSPECTIVE, while achieving a depth, that frankly, I didn't know existed in this genre.
This is the second installment (of 3) in this series, and it provides excellent contrast not only between the 'bad' guy and the 'good' guy, but also between different kinds of love and different kinds of fate, if you will.
While you don't NEED to read the first one to understand the second, WHY NOT? They've both been fast reads simply because of the entertaining, yet complex storyline mixed with extremely natural (and playful) dialogue. If you start now, you could probably even finish both by the time the third one is out at the end of the month. You won't regret it! Trust me!
August 4, 2013
Yuck! I cant wrap my brain around the idea of her doing both brothers and Brian wanting her after Connor had her. It's ABSOLUTELY sordid. My stomach is inside out and the puke is at the base of my throat! Now don't tell me Connor is wanting her back after her being with Brian!!!! Absolutely disgusting! And this is romance? What are we animals now?!
January 18, 2014
I loved the book before this one. I thought that Connor and Abby were suited. Brian was selfish in this story and I am not why sure Abby went for him even if she didn't know the brothers' pact. Moving from brother to brother was strange.
August 17, 2018
Yet again, a book that I couldnt put down. Another cliff hanger, :( , but will def keep reading to find out what happens. So proud of Abby and all she has accomplished. She just becomes stronger every day.
May 9, 2024
In this book, Abby has moved on away from Connor to his brother, Brian! Brian has been her best friend for years and she helped him raise his daughter when his wife was so ill and eventually died. Now they are seeing if they can be together as a couple. I did love her with Connor in the first book so I am torn as to whether these two can make it. I definitely am going to read the next book.
August 10, 2013
In Falling for the Good Guy, the second book in the Nice Girl to Love Trilogy, I couldn't believe that Ms. Duke was able to write another completely amazing love story where you can see how the two main characters are in love! This time, it's Abby and Brian, her best friend and Conner's brother! What. A. Love. Triangle.
This one takes place 3 and a half months after the end of Resisting the Bad Boy, so there's time for Abby to heal her broken heart. To her surprise, her best friend isn't just offering a comforting shoulder, he's offering his heart, which *blows her mind*. Abby never allowed herself to see Brian *that* way, because she knew that he loved his now deceased wife Beth with every inch of his heart-from before Abby and he met, through the birth of his and Beth's daughter, and through Beth's debilitating physical and mental decline as she succumbed to a devastating terminal illness. Abby was there by his side, being a surrogate mother to his daughter, Skylar, through the terrible ordeal.
Now, Brian is basically offering her a permanent position in his family and making her place in it official. But to do so, Abby must face the fact that Beth will always haunt their relationship, and she must decide if their love is strong enough to deal with that. And it's not just Beth haunting their relationship, so is Conner and the love that Abby still feels for him.
Ms. Duke tells such a heart wrenching story of two people who have loved each other for over a decade and were never able to express that love to each other. I felt like this had a slightly different tone that the first book. The previous book was more about the dark side of relationships between two people and overcoming the past to build a new future. This one was more about the relationship between a family unit and how to pursue the future while being respectful about the past.
And of course, this being the second book in a trilogy, we have the dreaded-cliffhanger! O.M.G. Where is book three?! I also give this one a 5 out of 5 and recommend it to those of you who love a romance about two best friends finally being able to cross the line, changing the meaning when they now say, "I love you."
(I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review).
This one takes place 3 and a half months after the end of Resisting the Bad Boy, so there's time for Abby to heal her broken heart. To her surprise, her best friend isn't just offering a comforting shoulder, he's offering his heart, which *blows her mind*. Abby never allowed herself to see Brian *that* way, because she knew that he loved his now deceased wife Beth with every inch of his heart-from before Abby and he met, through the birth of his and Beth's daughter, and through Beth's debilitating physical and mental decline as she succumbed to a devastating terminal illness. Abby was there by his side, being a surrogate mother to his daughter, Skylar, through the terrible ordeal.
Now, Brian is basically offering her a permanent position in his family and making her place in it official. But to do so, Abby must face the fact that Beth will always haunt their relationship, and she must decide if their love is strong enough to deal with that. And it's not just Beth haunting their relationship, so is Conner and the love that Abby still feels for him.
Ms. Duke tells such a heart wrenching story of two people who have loved each other for over a decade and were never able to express that love to each other. I felt like this had a slightly different tone that the first book. The previous book was more about the dark side of relationships between two people and overcoming the past to build a new future. This one was more about the relationship between a family unit and how to pursue the future while being respectful about the past.
And of course, this being the second book in a trilogy, we have the dreaded-cliffhanger! O.M.G. Where is book three?! I also give this one a 5 out of 5 and recommend it to those of you who love a romance about two best friends finally being able to cross the line, changing the meaning when they now say, "I love you."
(I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review).
April 7, 2015
This is the story of Brian & Abby. Connor stepped away from Abby and is giving Brian an opportunity to see if they are in love. Connor is selfless in this act and although he has strong feelings for Abby he wants to give his brother the opportunity because he feels that Brian may be in love with Abby. Connor, always doing the right thing for his brother, he lets his brother take a chance. This is a beautiful story of how Brian & Abby try to ignite a love between each other. A love that they may already have but haven't realized it. The dynamics are awesome between Brian & Abby and Skylar (Brian's daughter). Brian is thoughtful, patient, kind, and everything you would want in a man, but maybe not if you were the same personality. Abby is awesome as well and has given so much of her life to Brian and Skylar as Brian's wife was dying of Huntington's Disease. It is a sad story and a beautiful one all in the same book. The author really did her research and wrote a beautiful story.
This book was good, But I am on team Connor. Brian is a nice guy definitely, but I thought that the passion that Connor & Abby had was just so awesome. Brian & Abby have been friends...best friends, and I think she was feeling guilt about giving Skylar a mom to replace Beth (her mom who died). Not that it wouldn't have been an awesome connection, but Abby was still suffering strong feelings for Connor. I didn't have the same strong feelings for Brian & Abby and I really like the theory of opposites attract, and Brian & Abby weren't opposites. Even though Connor is a good guy, nobody knows it. This is not a bad read at all, I just felt I wanted more Connor (this is not a critique about the book, only my personal need for Connor) and I understand I need to wait my turn, so lets hope book 3 makes me happy and I get lots of Connor.
This book was good, But I am on team Connor. Brian is a nice guy definitely, but I thought that the passion that Connor & Abby had was just so awesome. Brian & Abby have been friends...best friends, and I think she was feeling guilt about giving Skylar a mom to replace Beth (her mom who died). Not that it wouldn't have been an awesome connection, but Abby was still suffering strong feelings for Connor. I didn't have the same strong feelings for Brian & Abby and I really like the theory of opposites attract, and Brian & Abby weren't opposites. Even though Connor is a good guy, nobody knows it. This is not a bad read at all, I just felt I wanted more Connor (this is not a critique about the book, only my personal need for Connor) and I understand I need to wait my turn, so lets hope book 3 makes me happy and I get lots of Connor.
July 27, 2018
The first book in this series built a solid background for Conner and Abby and it made it a bit difficult to find chemistry between Brian and Abby. The love triangle felt a bit lopsided in my opinion because Violet Duke did such a great job building up Conner and Abby's relationship in the first book. There were a few times where Brian would do something that should have felt very heartwarming but I wasn't convinced.
However, Duke did a good job keeping the plot interesting. I found myself turning through the pages reading on and on to see what was going to happen next. Even with a bit of a lackluster romantic performance, the depth of the characters seemed to grow even more from the first book. We learned a bit more about each of the main characters. There were a lot of emotions running through each of the characters that made their personalities very well rounded. It proved great for conflict in the story, and not just the romantic troubles. The plot of this story was not solely based on the romance. There were other complications that helped move the book along when romantic parts fell through a bit. It was engaging and made it very interactive to read. Also, Duke did a good job building background for Brian, a character that was just touched upon in the first book. The book left readers with a cliff hanger that set up her sequel nicely. I look forward to reading Duke's next installment.
However, Duke did a good job keeping the plot interesting. I found myself turning through the pages reading on and on to see what was going to happen next. Even with a bit of a lackluster romantic performance, the depth of the characters seemed to grow even more from the first book. We learned a bit more about each of the main characters. There were a lot of emotions running through each of the characters that made their personalities very well rounded. It proved great for conflict in the story, and not just the romantic troubles. The plot of this story was not solely based on the romance. There were other complications that helped move the book along when romantic parts fell through a bit. It was engaging and made it very interactive to read. Also, Duke did a good job building background for Brian, a character that was just touched upon in the first book. The book left readers with a cliff hanger that set up her sequel nicely. I look forward to reading Duke's next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2013
This review is for the first three books in the Nice Girl Series: Being a new reader to the romance genre, I was checking out various authors before I decided whose books to begin with and to purchase. With good reviews and liking what I read about Violet, I gave her Nice Girl to Love boxed set a test. Well, I think that in this test, Violet scored close to 100 as I see things. As I said, I don't have a lot of previous reading experience with romance books, just a few of mystery and romance combined, but I truly enjoyed these three books very much. Just about everyone does a write up about the characters, and what they did, and how they wish they had done this or that, but I am going to say something different. I went into this with no preconceived expectations, and I gave each subject full reign to get to know me and me to know him or her. By being open-minded about the subjects and their story, I felt drawn in and by book two definitely wanted to read book three. I found some pages made my laugh, some made me feel sad, and others just made me do some additional thinking, and isn't that what makes a great book series? If all of the rest of Violet's books are this entertaining with such magnetic characters that you want to like to read about again and again, then I am a fan for sure.
Keep up the great writing, Violet.
Cynthia
Keep up the great writing, Violet.
Cynthia
August 18, 2014
This second part of the book started poorly.
The last sentences of the previous part had come as a shock, with a revelation shattering what used to be normal life and a deep friendship. And unfortunately the author believed it necessary to put as an introduction to what had been misleadingly marketed as a book, to add in a summary of the second part. This summary starts much faster than the second part and made the whole content of this second part seem weird and unbelievable/unrealistic. The actual pace of this second part was much slower, much more natural, but it almost felt boring after all the teasing done in the summary. That was a real miss in my opinion and it really deterred from the enjoyment of reading it.
I really enjoyed the contribution of Skylar to her Dad's seduction of Abby. But I felt not so comfortable, reading about their relationship turning physical (ie. to sex), while it was rather obvious that she was still in love with his brother.
However Brian's feelings were nicely shown and were really convincing.
The end of this second part follows exactly the same trope as that of the previous one, an unexpected come-back from Connor a few lines before the end of the chapter.
The last sentences of the previous part had come as a shock, with a revelation shattering what used to be normal life and a deep friendship. And unfortunately the author believed it necessary to put as an introduction to what had been misleadingly marketed as a book, to add in a summary of the second part. This summary starts much faster than the second part and made the whole content of this second part seem weird and unbelievable/unrealistic. The actual pace of this second part was much slower, much more natural, but it almost felt boring after all the teasing done in the summary. That was a real miss in my opinion and it really deterred from the enjoyment of reading it.
I really enjoyed the contribution of Skylar to her Dad's seduction of Abby. But I felt not so comfortable, reading about their relationship turning physical (ie. to sex), while it was rather obvious that she was still in love with his brother.
However Brian's feelings were nicely shown and were really convincing.
The end of this second part follows exactly the same trope as that of the previous one, an unexpected come-back from Connor a few lines before the end of the chapter.
June 25, 2016
This is the second book in the Nice Girl to Love series and it is really good. I was lucky enough to read the first book and enjoyed it just as much. I found this book to be more emotional than the first, most likely because I intimately know the characters and the ordeals they experienced up to this point thus far.
The story continues with doctoral candidate Abby Bartlett attempting to get over Connor Sullivan. Brian Sullivan, an educator, Connor's brother, and Abby's best friend for many years, has been in love with her for a long time. With both being unattached, Abby and Brian decide to give a romantic relationship a try, since little sparks are beginning to creep into their already solid relationship.
Emotions run hot throughout the book, with Abby and Brian's budding relationship, Skylar's (Brian's daughter) seizure, the memories of the tragic death of Brian's wife Beth, Abby's residual feelings about Conner, and how their lives are woven together.
If you enjoy a sexy read with a lot of emotion, this book is for you! I am looking forward to reading Book 3.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story continues with doctoral candidate Abby Bartlett attempting to get over Connor Sullivan. Brian Sullivan, an educator, Connor's brother, and Abby's best friend for many years, has been in love with her for a long time. With both being unattached, Abby and Brian decide to give a romantic relationship a try, since little sparks are beginning to creep into their already solid relationship.
Emotions run hot throughout the book, with Abby and Brian's budding relationship, Skylar's (Brian's daughter) seizure, the memories of the tragic death of Brian's wife Beth, Abby's residual feelings about Conner, and how their lives are woven together.
If you enjoy a sexy read with a lot of emotion, this book is for you! I am looking forward to reading Book 3.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2013
Oh, Ms. Duke! How could you do this to us, not once - but TWICE? Ahh! This book is just as addicting as the first, although I have to admit that I missed Connor! Brian is a fantastic friend to Abby, but she has problems seeing him as more than a friend, no matter how he feels about her.
I have to admit, even though there is some great chemistry between Brian and Abby, even after reading this, I'm definitely Team Connor! Although Brian is a fantastic guy, their love is more gentle and not as thrilling as the love between Abby and Connor.
And what's going on with Connor anyhow? Grr!! What's going on with this man, I understand what he's doing (partially), but still... Grr!!
This is an extremely hard book to review without spoilers, but it's such a fantastic book with great characters. If you've not read anything in this series so far, definitely pick up "Falling for the Bad Boy." I promise you'll be picking up this book immediately after finishing it!
So definitely. I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read the conclusion in book three. I'm crossing my fingers that it's out soon!!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for honest review.
I have to admit, even though there is some great chemistry between Brian and Abby, even after reading this, I'm definitely Team Connor! Although Brian is a fantastic guy, their love is more gentle and not as thrilling as the love between Abby and Connor.
And what's going on with Connor anyhow? Grr!! What's going on with this man, I understand what he's doing (partially), but still... Grr!!
This is an extremely hard book to review without spoilers, but it's such a fantastic book with great characters. If you've not read anything in this series so far, definitely pick up "Falling for the Bad Boy." I promise you'll be picking up this book immediately after finishing it!
So definitely. I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read the conclusion in book three. I'm crossing my fingers that it's out soon!!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for honest review.
July 11, 2013
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
Put Down Ability: Couldn’t put it down
Suspense Level: None – Edge of your seat most of the way through
Adult Scene Level: Mild - hot
Cliff-hanger level: Jaw dropping
Holy smokes batwoman! Now I’ve read the second book I totally appreciate the first book more! This book keeps you on your toes and the edge of your seat all the way through.
My relationship with Brian is so up and down I feel like I’m getting whiplash. One minute I love him and the next I hate him. At the moment I’m undecided but leaning towards hating him.
Abby, Abby, Abby. I love Abby’s character, Violet had done a really good job of developing her through the two books and even though she is a goody to shoes, she doesn’t get boring with it.
The revelations in the book completely side swipe you. You just don’t see them coming and they grab you hook, line and sinker and made it very difficult to put the book down.
Violet has completely blown me away with the ending of this book. Yes it’s a cliff-hanger and yes it’s a jaw dropping one at that but WOW! I didn’t see it coming and I so didn’t think it would work. I can’t wait for book three!
Put Down Ability: Couldn’t put it down
Suspense Level: None – Edge of your seat most of the way through
Adult Scene Level: Mild - hot
Cliff-hanger level: Jaw dropping
Holy smokes batwoman! Now I’ve read the second book I totally appreciate the first book more! This book keeps you on your toes and the edge of your seat all the way through.
My relationship with Brian is so up and down I feel like I’m getting whiplash. One minute I love him and the next I hate him. At the moment I’m undecided but leaning towards hating him.
Abby, Abby, Abby. I love Abby’s character, Violet had done a really good job of developing her through the two books and even though she is a goody to shoes, she doesn’t get boring with it.
The revelations in the book completely side swipe you. You just don’t see them coming and they grab you hook, line and sinker and made it very difficult to put the book down.
Violet has completely blown me away with the ending of this book. Yes it’s a cliff-hanger and yes it’s a jaw dropping one at that but WOW! I didn’t see it coming and I so didn’t think it would work. I can’t wait for book three!
September 6, 2013
so i skipped book one assuming that in book 2 abby would end up with brian. but when i came to the end there was this major cliffhanger where the chosen was not revealed.
book 2: awesome book. they have this deep emotional and physical connection where the ground each other and can depend on each other no matter what. brian has had a tough couple of yea through the trauma of his wifes illness and death and raising his young daughter. all tis was made possible by the help of his best friend abby who unbeknown to her was also slowly wrapping herself further and further into brians heart.
abby is still crushed by connors (book1) rejection/departure. she discvers that she and brian has sooo much more to give each other and have a deep love an affection. however there is the unanswered question of whether she is 100% with him or does she still harbour feelings for his brother connor.
totally routing for brian because he has seen so much heart ache. im going to read book one and maybe then i will be team connor. (i've peeked at the end of book 3 to see whose the winner and apparently everyones commentsis pro ..............
READ ALL 3 BOOKS AND BE ENTHRALLED :)
book 2: awesome book. they have this deep emotional and physical connection where the ground each other and can depend on each other no matter what. brian has had a tough couple of yea through the trauma of his wifes illness and death and raising his young daughter. all tis was made possible by the help of his best friend abby who unbeknown to her was also slowly wrapping herself further and further into brians heart.
abby is still crushed by connors (book1) rejection/departure. she discvers that she and brian has sooo much more to give each other and have a deep love an affection. however there is the unanswered question of whether she is 100% with him or does she still harbour feelings for his brother connor.
totally routing for brian because he has seen so much heart ache. im going to read book one and maybe then i will be team connor. (i've peeked at the end of book 3 to see whose the winner and apparently everyones commentsis pro ..............
READ ALL 3 BOOKS AND BE ENTHRALLED :)
August 6, 2013
By: Violet Duke
Published By: V.D.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Series: Nice Girl to Love #2
Review:
"Falling for the Good Guy" By Violet Duke was the second in this series: 'Nice Girl to Love' was another good contemporary romance where you will be quickly drawn into this series. This series was of Abby and Brian's story. This author does a good job at the scenes of working it through the funny and sexy ones. I felt this this book was a very emotional one as Abby will be trying to 'get over Connor Sullivan.' So, from this read it will deal with Brian's daughter Skylar, who has had a seizure which will cause some concern due to her mother's tragic death. Two best friends now lovers and Abby has been with both brothers? Can Abby have loved both brothers? Well, this is some read and we can only hope that in this authors' last series will clear it all up for us and at least please no more cliff hangers! As we wait her next and last series: 'Choosing the Right Man.'
Published By: V.D.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Series: Nice Girl to Love #2
Review:
"Falling for the Good Guy" By Violet Duke was the second in this series: 'Nice Girl to Love' was another good contemporary romance where you will be quickly drawn into this series. This series was of Abby and Brian's story. This author does a good job at the scenes of working it through the funny and sexy ones. I felt this this book was a very emotional one as Abby will be trying to 'get over Connor Sullivan.' So, from this read it will deal with Brian's daughter Skylar, who has had a seizure which will cause some concern due to her mother's tragic death. Two best friends now lovers and Abby has been with both brothers? Can Abby have loved both brothers? Well, this is some read and we can only hope that in this authors' last series will clear it all up for us and at least please no more cliff hangers! As we wait her next and last series: 'Choosing the Right Man.'
October 26, 2013
I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW!
Wow! Violet once again you've done it. You drew me into the story and kept me glued to my kindle. I just couldn't put it down. I absolutely love Abby. In this book we see a more motherly and family side of her. She wasn't quite as spunky as she was in the first book and I missed that about her. Brian is a good guy and really sweet. He does love Abby and she loves him too. Is their love that of friends or could it be more. They have been through so much together it would be so easy for her to be with him. They do have good chemistry and are good together.
Well done Violet Duke. The second book in the trilogy was just as a big a hit for me as the first one. I love that it ends with a cliffhanger because I have my hopes and wishes for how the trilogy will end. Can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series. If you haven't checked out Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love Series you need to do it now. You don't know what you are missing.
Wow! Violet once again you've done it. You drew me into the story and kept me glued to my kindle. I just couldn't put it down. I absolutely love Abby. In this book we see a more motherly and family side of her. She wasn't quite as spunky as she was in the first book and I missed that about her. Brian is a good guy and really sweet. He does love Abby and she loves him too. Is their love that of friends or could it be more. They have been through so much together it would be so easy for her to be with him. They do have good chemistry and are good together.
Well done Violet Duke. The second book in the trilogy was just as a big a hit for me as the first one. I love that it ends with a cliffhanger because I have my hopes and wishes for how the trilogy will end. Can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series. If you haven't checked out Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love Series you need to do it now. You don't know what you are missing.
January 27, 2014
Falling for your Best Friend not too far fetched and Brian Sullivan may just be the one. Wonderful father and the kind of guy who is your rock and HOT to boot. But Conner made Abby's mind go on the fritz in the 1st book and is the challenge for Abby. You will love to see Abby try and be open and rational but, we all know LOVE is not rational or predictable and you will not be able to predict the way this books leaves you feeling. You will however go back and forth wanting Abby to be the Nice Girl with the Nice Guy and have a Happily Ever After or wait for Conner to come and sweep her off her feet. Another Cliff Hanger I Know what your thinking after the 1st book, how can she do this to us again but, like I said in my last review "After you read this you will not be able to resist any other story by Violet Duke. This is a cliffhanger but your in luck she does have this trilogy in a all in one!"
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